[NEWS RELEASE] Marco Rubio Panders to Extremists by Sabotaging Confirmation of Gay, Black Judge to Federal Bench
After he initially supported the nomination of Judge William Thomas to the federal bench, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) has announced that he was withdrawing his support over concerns about the judge’s actions in two criminal cases.
"Once again, we see Senator Rubio playing politics when it comes to what's best for Florida," stated Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. "He is keeping a qualified nominee from the bench to appease extremists."
Had he been confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Judge Thomas would be the first openly gay black man on the federal bench.
Judge Thomas, who serves on the Miami-Dade Circuit, was nominated by President Obama ten months ago, with the backing of both Sen. Bill Nelson and Sen. Rubio. For confirmation to proceed, the nominee must have the approval of both U.S. senators in their home state.
Due to Sen. Rubio’s flip-flop, Judge William Thomas’s nomination to the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami is effectively blocked.
Equality Florida is calling upon fair-minded Floridians to contact Sen. Rubio’s office, and demand that he allow the process to move forward in the U.S. Senate.
Contact Sen. Rubio by phone: (202) 224-3041; fax: (202) 228-0285; or email to take action at